MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — The Manhattan man accused of starving his 4-year-old son to death has been attacked by other inmates at Rikers Island as his lawyers fight to get him into protective custody, according to his defense attorney.
Laron Modlin, 25, was arraigned Wednesday for murder, manslaughter, assault, and criminally negligent homicide in connection to the death of Jah’Meik Modlin last month, authorities said. The boy weighed 19 pounds when he died.
The bearded defendant, dressed in beige prison clothes, pleaded not guilty during the brief court appearance in Manhattan.
“At least twice he was attacked in the unit by other inmates in response to the news and media,” defense attorney Jessica Horani told the judge while arguing to keep photographers from taking his picture in court. “We’re trying to get him into protective custody.”
Modlin and the boy’s mother, Nytavia Ragsdale, 26, are accused of starving their four children for years while treating themselves to fresh food daily, according to prosecutors. The parents allegedly filled their fridge with fresh groceries but turned it to the wall so their four kids couldn’t open the door, according to court records. Any cabinet containing food had a zip tie on the handle.